Glenwood Brooklyn

November 5, 2023

Step into history in the Glenwood-Brooklyn Historic District, Raleigh, NC. Explore charming homes and a rich heritage in this iconic neighborhood.
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The Glenwood Brooklyn neighborhood is located along the northwest border of downtown Raleigh.

Glenwood Brooklyn is a historic neighborhood that occupies the blocks along Glenwood Avenue between Peace Street and Wade Avenue.

The area was originally farmland before being subdivided for residential development beginning in 1905 by the Glenwood Land Company.

This coincided with Raleigh's streetcar system extending a new line up Glenwood Avenue, catalyzing growth.

Most of Glenwood Brooklyn's homes were built between 1907 and 1951 in popular early 20th century styles like Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and minimal traditional.

Platted in 1905, it was the first planned neighborhood (subdivision) in Raleigh and covers approximately 80 acres containing around 300 housing units.

The community was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000 for its well-preserved collection of architectural styles from the early 20th century.

Local builders erected modest houses for Raleigh's growing ranks of white working- and middle-class residents.

Deed restrictions maintained the neighborhood's racial composition. Homeowners worked as government employees, small business owners, railroad workers, and salespeople.

Today, Glenwood Brooklyn contains over 300 homes showcasing historic architecture from the early 1900s alongside some newer infill.

Notable figures who lived in the area include Devereux Mansion and A.J. Fletcher, the founder of Capital Broadcasting Company which owns WRAL-TV.

A Look Back at Glenwood Brooklyn's History

In the late 1800s, the area now known as Glenwood Brooklyn was part of a large plantation owned by prominent Raleigh resident Joel Lane.

After Lane's death, his daughter Margaret inherited part of the land. She and her husband John Devereux Jr. built a stately Greek Revival-style home there which they called Will's Forest.

During the Civil War, Confederate fortifications ran along the ridge behind what are now Cleveland Street and Wills Forest Street.

After the war ended, the Devereux family began selling off pieces of their estate to developers. This marked the beginning of Glenwood Brooklyn as a suburban neighborhood.

Character and Architecture

Covering around 80 acres, Glenwood Brooklyn contains approximately 300 homes. It was Raleigh's first planned subdivision, established in 1905.

The dominant architectural styles seen throughout the neighborhood include Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and transitional hybrids.

Many of the Queen Anne-style houses feature decorative trim, asymmetrical facades, steep roofs, and turned porch columns.

The Triple-A cottage, a regional variant of the Queen Anne style, can also be found with its distinctive side-gabled roof and front-facing decorative gable.

As the Colonial Revival style rose in popularity, it began to merge with the Queen Anne aesthetic.

These transitional homes blend classical columns and symmetry with Victorian-era ornamentation.

By the 1910s, Craftsman bungalows proliferated thanks to their practicality and wide appeal.

Most of the Craftsman homes have low-pitched roofs, exposed rafter tails, and tapered porch columns.

Neighborhood Amenities

At the heart of Glenwood Brooklyn lies Fletcher Park, a beloved community gathering space.

The park contains lovely gardens, a baseball diamond, tennis courts, and a unique storytelling amphitheater.

The historic Devereux Meadow House and Winslow House also sit on the park grounds.

Glenwood Brooklyn residents enjoy an abundance of restaurants, bars, and shops just steps away along Glenwood Avenue.

The Glenwood South district provides exciting entertainment options with its collection of breweries, music venues, and trendy eateries.

For families, Partnership Elementary School sits right within the neighborhood, while Broughton High School and Raleigh Charter High School are less than half a mile away.

The community maintains an active neighborhood association and social media groups to keep residents connected.

Top Nearby Dining

Glenwood Brooklyn offers easy access to some of Raleigh's best dining.

Here are top-rated restaurants located within 2 miles of zip code 27605:

Italian

Vivace - 4.5 stars, 0.7 miles away

Vivace serves up authentic northern Italian cuisine in a cozy, romantic setting.

Favorites include the gnocchi in gorgonzola cream sauce and the rack of lamb. "The food is always perfectly cooked and full of flavor," says one reviewer.

Gravy - 4.7 stars, 1.1 miles away

This casual Italian eatery gets rave reviews for its rich, crave-worthy lasagna.

Gravy also offers pizzas, pastas, subs, and salads at reasonable prices. As one customer writes, "The food is consistently delicious."

Mexican

Centro - 4.6 stars, 0.3 miles away

Centro's lively atmosphere and scratch-made Mexican dishes make it a local favorite. The tequila bar boasts over 100 varieties. "The tacos and guacamole are amazing," comments a regular.

Gallo Pelón Mezcalería - 4.8 stars, 1.5 miles away

Specializing in Oaxacan cuisine, Gallo Pelón earns praise for its complex moles, tender meats, and expansive mezcal selection. "Everything on the menu is just bursting with flavor," says a customer.

Seafood

Waraji Japanese Restaurant - 4.6 stars, 0.4 miles away

This cozy sushi spot crafts innovative rolls along with classics like yellowtail sashimi. The tempura and noodle dishes also satisfy. "The fish is remarkably fresh," notes a reviewer.

Capital Seafood - 4.5 stars, 1.8 miles away

Capital Seafood has remained a local favorite for its stellar dim sum, Peking duck, and seafood dishes. Customers recommend the salt and pepper shrimp.

Conveniently Located

Glenwood Brooklyn enjoys a central location just northwest of downtown Raleigh. The neighborhood is only 4 miles from RDU International Airport for easy travels.

Residents can walk downtown or catch a quick Uber ride to explore the city.

The community also sits conveniently between Raleigh's bustling centers. Downtown Durham is only 22 miles away, while downtown Raleigh sits just over 2 miles south.

Day trips to Chapel Hill, Cary, and other destinations in the Triangle area are simple from this prime location.

Tim's Perspective

As a hybrid Brooklyn NY and Raleigh native, I often recommend Glenwood Brooklyn for its historic charm. convenience, and strong sense of community.

The neighborhood offers a peaceful respite from city life with its tree-lined streets and historic homes.

At the same time, the area provides easy access to urban amenities, arts, culture, dining, and entertainment.

For those seeking a balanced lifestyle surrounded by small-town character yet close to big-city excitement, Glenwood Brooklyn is an ideal fit.

From young professionals to growing families, this neighborhood has much to offer residents across all walks of life.

Come join us and experience the vibrant spirit of Raleigh!

Listings in Glenwood Brooklyn

**NOTE: If you're not seeing any listings, then currently there are no available homes in this community.**

Tim M. Clarke

About the author

17 years as a Realtor in the Research Triangle, Tim seeks to transform the Raleigh-Durham real estate scene through a progressive, people-centered approach prioritizing trust & transparency.

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